Past Research on Safety

Summary of past research related to public and worker safety

Key research published through epri.com on distribution safety is highlighted below. See here for details on recent deliverables.

Arc Flash

  • Arc Flash: Comparison of Industry and Utility Approaches, 3002024740, 2022.

  • Arc Flash Hazards on Distribution Systems (video), 3002021685, 2021.

  • Arc-Flash Analysis Guide, 3002019035, 2020.

  • DC Arc Flash on Photovoltaic Equipment, 3002014124, 2018.

  • Medium-Voltage Arc Flash: Switchgear and Live-Front Transformers, 3002005598, 2015.

  • Arc Flash Update for 480-V Network Protectors, 3002006373, 2015.

  • Arc Flash Testing of Clothing and 480-V Meter Sockets, 1023267, 2011

  • Distribution Arc Flash: Phase II Test Results and Analysis, 1022697, 2011.

  • 208-V Arc Flash Testing: Network Protectors and Meters, 1022218, 2010.

  • Distribution Arc Flash: 480-V Padmounted Transformers and Network Protectors, 1020210, 2009.

  • Arc Flash Phase II Work Practices Survey Report, 1020544, 2009.

  • Distribution Arc Flash: Analysis Methods and Arc Characteristics, 1018693, 2009.

  • Distribution Arc Flash: Industry Practices, 1018694, 2009.

Downed Conductors

  • Detecting and Preventing Live, Downed Conductors: Industry Update, 3002024738, 2022.

  • Backfeeds on Distribution Systems: Detection Approaches, 3002016453, 2019.

  • Guarding Downed Electrical Power Lines Video, 3002016397, 2019.

  • Modern Approaches to High-Impedance Fault Detection, 3002012882, 2018.

Grounding

  • Vehicle Grounding and Ground Hazards around Distribution Circuits (video), 3002021687, 2021.

  • Grounding and Personnel Protection Practices, 3002019037, 2020.

  • Tests of Grounding and Personnel Protection on an Overhead Distribution Line, 3002017656, 2020.

  • Vehicle Grounding and Personnel Protection: Utility Distribution Guide, 3002016395, 2019.

  • Vehicle Grounding and Personnel Protection: Utility Distribution Scenarios, 3002014127, 2018.

  • Grounding for Personnel Protection on Underground Distribution: Simulations for Solid-Dielectric Cable Systems, EPRI 3002003242, 2015.

  • Distribution Grounding: Volume 1: Handbook, TR-106661-V1, 1996.

Manhole Events

  • Underground Assets: Risk Mitigation of Manhole Events, 3002018957, 2020.

  • Underground Structure Risk Mitigation — 2017-2019 Project Highlights: Manhole Supplemental, 3002015181, 2019.

  • Testing the Effectiveness of a Short-Arm Restrained Manhole Cover and Frame Combination: Southern California Edison Manhole Supplemental Project, 3002017160, 2019.

  • Underground Assets: Risk Mitigation of Manhole Events, 3002016391, 2019.

  • Testing the Effectiveness of Covers and Baffles Used to Mitigate Event Damage at Round Enclosures: PG&E Round Enclosure Supplemental, 3002012503, 2018.

  • Testing the Effectiveness of Manhole Cover and Frame Combinations Used to Mitigate Event Damage at Underground Structures: Eversource Manhole Supplemental Project, 3002014761, 2018.

  • Risk Mitigation of Underground Structures: Test Approach and Results, 3002011647, 2017.

  • Manhole Event Risk Management Strategies, 1015889, 2008.

  • Manhole Event Risk Management, 1013886, 2007.

  • Evaluation of Gases Generated by Heating and Burning of Cables, TR-106394, 1996.

Practices

  • Insulation and Isolation Practices for Live Work on Distribution Systems, 3002024744, 2022.

  • Safety Concerns with Backfeeds on Distribution Systems, 3002024745, 2022.

  • Approaches for Cable Locating and Abandoning Underground Cable, 3002021691, 2021.

  • Impacts of 5G Equipment on Distribution Practices, 3002019041, 2020.

Technologies and Protective Equipment

  • Application to Verify Live-Line Coverup, 3002021690, 2021.

  • Application to Verify Live-Line Coverup: Feasibility Analysis, 3002019038, 2020.

  • Personal Voltage Detectors: Tests in Utility Distribution Scenarios, 3002019039, 2020.

  • Electrical Performance of Plastic Guards: Distribution Safety, 3002019040, 2020.

  • Electrical Performance of Footwear for Distribution Workers, 3002016394, 2019.

  • Personal Voltage Detectors: Electric-Field Performance, 3002016396, 2019.

Stray Voltage

  • Neutral to Earth Voltage and Urban Stray Voltage Measurement Protocols, 1010652, 2015.

  • Assessment of Elevated Neutral to Earth Voltages in Distribution Systems: Modeling and Simulation Guidelines, 1012439, 2006.

Last modified January 9, 2022